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Vadakara
Vadakara is known as the birth place of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary
hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great
martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce centre in ancient times.
Lokanarkavu
temple is located 5 kms from Vadakara. The three rock cut caves in the temple
premises are artfully engraved with beautiful carvings and fascinating murals.
The main temple, according to legend, is more than 1500 years old. The main deity
here is Goddess Durga, with two adjacent shrines dedicated to the gods Vishnu
and Siva. The annual festival of the temple is called Pooram.
The week-long
festival begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu. The
temple dedicated to goddess Bhadrakaali has great historical importance as Thacholi
Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship here every day.
This
is the only temple where a peculiar folk dance called Thacholikali is presented
during festivals. The dance, performed during the festival resembles the martial
art Kalarippayattu. Even today, all Kalarippayattu artists seek the blessings
of the deity before their debut.
How to Reach
Air:
Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town
Rail:
Kozhikode, about 48 km from Vadakara
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